SIMPLE THINGS

There is nothing in this world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor. - Charles Dickens

Few things are more fun than when you are with friends and something becomes so hilarious that your laughter gradually escalates from a quiet chuckle to a hearty laugh to an all-out hysteria until finally you're tearing up, you can barely breathe, and everyone involved is shaking in silent laughter.

Usually it is something simple, like brainstorming cat names or singing along to Rent, and an outsider would probably think you're insane.

Some friends (you know who you are) joked that it was only a matter of time before I turned into one of those crazy cat ladies. The ones who dress their cats up in sweaters and throw them birthday parties. Thankfully, I'm pretty sure that I have avoided that :)

I have very little trivia knowledge. I'm awful at telling you who sang the top song of 1998, what a group of frogs is called, anything having to do with sports that are not American football, or the name of the plastic covering at the end of a shoelace.

I’ve always loved being high above the ground. I always choose the window seat in a plane so that I can stare down at the clouds from high above. My sisters once bought me a flying lesson in college. I celebrated my 18th birthday by jumping out of a plane (and had a repeat performance 2 years ago in Australia). Ski lifts are great. So are rooftop bars and rollercoasters.So what better way to celebrate life in the land of super tall mountains than by going to the top of one and jumping off!

...that it is possible to sleep quite soundly in a giant tent with 100 other people?

It is much more difficult, if not impossible (for me at least), to sleep on an overnight train when you are not in a sleeper car (even if they promised you it was just as good).

Also, when planning a meeting place in a foreign city, be specific. And have a backup plan. And a backup backup plan.Just in case one of you is half asleep while deciding where to meet and hears 'Piazza del Popolo' when what the other actually said was 'Spanish Steps'. They are not close.

15. Life is so much more fun when you’re willing to look like a bit of an idiot.

16. People are incredibly adaptable. When you look back it’s hard to believe what has become normal that used to be new. Like hearing various languages and accents throughout the day. Or going to work via train. Or frequent Skype calls.​

8. Living alone makes me even later than usual, especially in the mornings.

9. I’m an observer. I’ve known this for a long time, but being in a new situation, especially this one, really highlights it. I listen, I process, I think, and I formulate an opinion before I share anything. People usually think I am shy and quiet because of this. It comes as a big surprise when they later learn the truth.

About a year ago, I was packing up my life in DC, preparing myself to say goodbye to a lot of amazing people, and crying a lot. All you had to do was say Switzerland and I would lose it. I knew that what was coming was going to be an amazing experience, but the leaving part is so hard.